We were invited to attend a high-level workshop in Brussels, held as part of a Demos project on populism and political, social and economic trends in the European Union. The event brought together leading European scholars, policy-makers and journalists for a lively and solutions-focused debate. CSM was represented by Agnieszka Ostrowska, Centre’s strategic programmes coordinator. The workshop began with presentations from Demos and its five research partners in Germany, France, Spain, Sweden and Poland on their national case studies, as well as exclusive new polling that has been undertaken with YouGov to support qualitative analysis. 

Russian aggression in Ukraine was a serious illustration that emerging powers strive to change international order. In fact we have witnessed, in recent years, more assertiveness from the rising “Rest” and the construction of an alternative world system. This brings more risks for global peace and stability and is a grave challenge to the Western powers. The changes in the international system in recent years - scrutinizing moves to set up parallel global institutions, norms and regulations by emerging powers – show two possible reactions of the West. A compromise would be the only sustainable way to avoid growing divisions. Although this will not be easy, the alternative – confrontation – is only worse - writes Patryk Kugiel in his analysis entitled New world order or disorder?

"The pro-Kremlin media attack personally people who investigate pro-Kremlin trolls" - said Jessikka Aro, Finish investigative journalist during the conference “Future of Transatlantic Security” organised in Tallinn (Estonia) by the European Liberal Forum. "What is particularly dangerous are the stories which find their way into the mainstream media. Therefore, the short-term strategy that should be implemented to defend against pro-Kremlin disinformation, should be to liaise with the mainstream media and inform them about disinformation" - said Antoni Wierzejski, Centre for International Relations' analyst. He moderated a panel entitled "Propaganda and Information War in the EU: Are We Doing Enough?".